Chinese President Hu Jintao (L Front) holds a welcoming ceremony for Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, yesterday. Abdelaziz Bouteflika attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Nov. 4-5, and started a state visit to China yesterday. -Xinhua

China and Algeria have arrived at a package of agreements covering economy, taxation, civil aviation, judicial services, quality inspection and quarantine after a joint statement was signed by leaders of both countries to facilitate strategic partnership yesterday.

The agreements came after President Hu Jintao met with visiting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika who was here for a state visit and for the Sunday-closed Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

During the summit, Algeria and another eight African countries have been extended the Approved Destination Status for Chinese tourists.

Hu said cementing traditional friendship and the strategic cooperative relationship under the new circumstances is in the fundamental interests of both peoples.

He proposed both sides to facilitate political trust through strengthened governmental, legislature and party exchanges and work closely in dealing international and regional affairs.

China favors a "long-term stable cooperative mechanism", which can cement collaboration in infrastructure facility, transportation, telecommunication, public health, technology, education, culture, tourism and personnel training, Hu noted.

Bouteflika said Algeria would never forget that China recognized its sovereignty only three days after it declared independence. The friendship between China and Algeria is sincere, solid and has stood the test of time, he said.

In an era of globalization, Bouteflika said facilitating South-North dialogue and South-South cooperation was a pressing task.

He said Algeria, fully confident of the prospects of Sino-Algerian ties, has regarded China as a special friend and partner and is looking forward to more robust collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, hydropower, culture, science and security.

Bouteflika said the Beijing Summit has charted a right path for future Sino-African cooperation, and Algeria would like to team up with other African countries in this regard.

Hu expressed appreciation to Algeria for its contributions to China's retrieve of its legitimate seat in the United Nations and the country's adherence to the one-China policy.

Bouteflika is among 41 African heads of state or government, senior officials from 48 African countries and delegates from regional and international organizations to attend the two-day summit, the largest gathering between Chinese and African leaders.